Vitamins and minerals mnemonic

Fat-soluble vitamins

The mnemonic

ADEK

What each word stands for

  • ARetinol
  • DCholecalciferol
  • ETocopherol
  • KPhylloquinone and menaquinone

Why it matters clinically

Fat malabsorption (cystic fibrosis, cholestasis) produces combined deficiencies of these vitamins.

Where it stops being reliable

It lists the group only and does not say which is stored or toxic in excess.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Vitamins and minerals mnemonic?

ADEK. It helps you recall: Fat-soluble vitamins.

What does "A" stand for?

Retinol

What does "D" stand for?

Cholecalciferol

What does "E" stand for?

Tocopherol

What are all the parts of the ADEK mnemonic?

A: Retinol; D: Cholecalciferol; E: Tocopherol; K: Phylloquinone and menaquinone.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Vitamins and minerals in Biochemistry.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

It lists the group only and does not say which is stored or toxic in excess.

How is this useful clinically?

Fat malabsorption (cystic fibrosis, cholestasis) produces combined deficiencies of these vitamins.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Biochemistry question about Vitamins and minerals.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.